CF Atlas

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Selection criteria

Prospective grantees must demonstrate the following in their applications:

Understanding of community philanthropy as a tool for local development and for enabling people to build on existing assets and have greater access to and control over how resources are allocated

Use of grantmaking as a development strategy which devolves power and resources closer to the ground, mobilization of local resources (financial and non-financial) for collective action, governance and decision-making strategies which promote participation and accountability.

Commitment to progressive social change

Demonstration of a recognition of the role of community action in building a vibrant civil society, strengthening democratic culture and addressing issues of poverty, exclusion and marginalization.

Community support

Demonstration of – or potential for – support from its defined community, including an established and diverse base of donor support and broad representation in the governance structure.

Capacity for growth

Evidence of a clearly defined and broadly understood organizational mission and willingness to invest in critical systems and infrastructure in order for the organization to grow.

Added value

Ability to develop replicable tools for growth, and willingness to share them with others.